2019 Honda Pilot & HR-V facelift unveiled

ABU DHABI: Honda reveals the new Pilot and the HR-V facelift with cosmetic changes, enhanced tech abilities, and safety features. The Pilot has taken over the design cues from the HR-V and is now more aggressive than ever while the HR-V facelift looks a lot similar to the Japan-spec model introduced earlier this year.

The upgraded set of tech features is aimed at providing improved connectivity options to the passengers while they are on the move. Moreover, an update of the Honda Sensing safety suite has been introduced for the well-being of passengers as well as the driver.

The three-row Pilot SUV gets an aggressive front fascia, features a bigger grille up front flanked by the new LED headlamps as seen on the present-day Honda models. The front bumper gets a revised design. The design revisions at the front remind you of the Civic and the HR-V. A new diffuser has been added at the back. Additionally, there is an option of new alloys.

Inside the cabin, the Pilot gets a new display audio system with 4G LTE WiFi and standard support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The infotainment system at the back and CabinTalk in-car PA system receive a significant update as well. What’s interesting and worth your attention is that now all Pilot variants come with Honda Sensing Safety technology as standard. The safety suite includes features like lane-keep assist, lane departure mitigation, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control.

The HR-V facelift, on the other hand, is a lot similar to the Japan-spec model introduced earlier this year. New alloy wheels and the amber corner lenses are the only differences between the model launched in Japan and the facelift introduced for the US market.

As far as engine specs are concerned, both the models carry over the same engines from their respective predecessors. The 2019 Honda HR-V comes with a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 143 PS of max power, mated to a CVT system. The updated Pilot, although comes with the same engine, gains significant refinements on its 9-speed automatic transmission system.

There is still no word on pricing but what’s out is that the 2019 Honda Pilot will go on sale on July 16 while the sales for HR-V will begin later on July 24 in the US.